The move towards more low carbon gases in B.C. continues as a new pilot project in Port Moody will produce zero-carbon H₂. A partnership between FortisBC Energy, Suncor Energy and Hazer Group will bring a groundbreaking new technology to the province to produce clean burning H₂ from natural gas.

Using an innovative methane pyrolysis technology for the first time in North America, the project, located at Suncor’s Burrard Terminal site, would produce H₂ while storing the carbon byproduct as solid synthetic graphite that can be sold on the open market for manufacturing or industrial use. If the pilot continues as a full commercial build out, the project would be expected to produce up to 2,500 tpy of H₂. This equates to roughly 300,000 gigajoules of clean-burning gas energy that can replace the equivalent annual natural gas usage of approximately 3,300 B.C. households.

“FortisBC is transforming BC’s energy future. While we are in the early stages of an exciting energy transformation with this H₂ project, innovative partnerships like this will help accelerate that change. Renewable and low carbon gases, like H₂, are instrumental in reducing greenhouse gas emissions effectively and affordably while ensuring we have a resilient and diversified energy system for British Columbians,” said Roger Dall’Antonia, president and CEO of FortisBC.

H₂ is a unique gas energy as it produces no CO₂ when burned. It can be produced in several ways, including through electrolysis (separating H₂ from water using electricity) or through separating it from natural gas. H₂ generated from natural gas with the carbon byproduct being captured as solid carbon is referred to as turquoise H₂ and has far lower and more easily managed lifecycle GHG emissions associated with it.

“Innovative technologies such as the Hazer Process offer enormous potential to create new economic opportunities while supporting the decarbonization objectives of FortisBC and the province. We are delighted to work with FortisBC, Suncor and the government of B.C. on this innovative project which will be a world-leading example of the application of methane pyrolysis,” said Geoff Ward, CEO and managing director of Hazer.

The project is being funded directly from the partner companies and by the provincial government’s CleanBC Industry Fund. The Fund supports projects that can advance innovative solutions for industry GHG emissions, like renewable and low carbon gases. The provincial government has placed clear emphasis on the importance of H₂ in the province, releasing the provincial H₂ strategy in 2021 and establishing the B.C. H₂ Office to assist the rapid advancement of H₂ projects.

“H₂ is critical to our transition to a cleaner, low-carbon energy system. We are supporting innovation like the Hazer Process with B.C. H₂ Strategy and CleanBC,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “The Hazer Process is helping us achieve our climate goals while supporting good-paying jobs for British Columbians”.

The addition of H₂ to FortisBC’s renewable and low carbon gas supply is critical to the company’s ongoing efforts to decarbonize the gas system. Ongoing research is being conducted, both through this project and in conjunction with the University of British Columbia-Okanagan, on how to blend H₂ into the existing gas infrastructure. A recent study commissioned by the provincial government, FortisBC and the BC Bioenergy Network found that the potential for H₂ production in the province could exceed 200 petajoules by 2050 – roughly enough gas to completely replace current natural gas volumes.

“H₂ has the potential be a significant part of the future energy mix and is a key part of Suncor’s strategy to be a net zero GHG emissions company by 2050,” said Kris Smith, executive vice president Downstream, Suncor. “We appreciate the B.C. government’s support for the development work on this project. And we look forward to continuing to work together on this project that, if sanctioned, will bring low carbon intensity H₂ supply to the Greater Vancouver Area.”

The first phase of the project is now underway including front-end engineering, design studies and permitting applications. By the end of 2023, a prototype version of the Hazer H₂ reactor is expected to be constructed onsite at the Burrard location for testing.